Last month, Ellicia Chiu and Cher Su relocated to a walk-up apartment in New York City’s Lower East Side with only a few boxes in tow. Upon arrival, the friends recognized the need to furnish their new space with small kitchen appliances, decor, and furniture. Instead of opting for brand-new items, they turned to Facebook Marketplace, the social network’s buy-and-sell service, for affordable secondhand finds. At the age of 24, Ms. Chiu revealed that she primarily uses Facebook for Marketplace, spending most of her social time on TikTok and Instagram. She acknowledged the platform’s user-friendly interface and the abundance of furniture deals it offers. Marketplace caters to budget-conscious millennials and Gen Z individuals seeking quality items at affordable prices.
The popularity of Facebook has waned among Gen Z over the past decade, with Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat gaining traction as preferred social platforms. Marketplace, dubbed “the internet’s garage sale,” has emerged as a go-to destination for eco-conscious youth in pursuit of pre-owned goods. Launched in 2016, the platform boasts over a billion monthly active users, positioning it as the second most popular online site for secondhand goods after eBay. Despite Meta’s (Facebook’s parent company) lack of detailed information on Marketplace’s business strategies and demographics, the platform continues to thrive due to its ties to Facebook’s social network.
Marketplace users appreciate the convenience of built-in messaging features and seller profiles with ratings, distinguishing it from Craigslist, another popular platform for used goods. Buyers typically transact in cash to avoid fees, with some opting for digital payment alternatives such as Venmo. For Ms. Chiu and Ms. Su, lucrative Marketplace steals include a West Elm couch, Zojirushi rice cooker, Dyson vacuum, and IKEA NORDEN table, collectively amounting to over 30 items at a fraction of their retail prices. The duo estimates savings exceeding $3,000 from their Marketplace hauls.
However, not all transactions have been seamless, as seen in Ms. Chiu’s plant with root rot and Ms. Su’s faulty bookshelf. Vigilance against scams is crucial, with both buyers and sellers encouraged to exercise caution. Marketplace’s appeal extends to college students like Sebastian Ramos, who scored a free couch and sold a Nintendo 3DS on the platform. Embracing thrift shopping and secondhand purchases, Ramos seeks affordable alternatives to new items.
Sarah Williams, an executive assistant and new mom from Kenosha, Wis., navigated Marketplace to find budget-friendly baby items during her pregnancy. Faced with exorbitant crib prices online, she secured a discounted crib on Marketplace for a fraction of the cost, emphasizing the platform’s personal touch and friendly exchanges. In a similar vein, Ms. Chiu and Ms. Su cherished the networking opportunities and human connections fostered through their Marketplace interactions, enhancing their relocation experience and home setup.
